By Layna Delgado
Rankings can often define a player long before they define themselves. For Paul Osaruyi, the No. 3 ranked junior in the nation, the number is impossible to ignore, but it is far from what defines him.
A 6-foot-8 standout from Scarborough, Ontario, Osaruyi has become one of the most intriguing prospects in all of high school basketball. His skill, size, and versatility put him among the elite in his class, yet according to those closest to him, what separates him is not just his talent – it’s his character.
“Honestly, the biggest thing I like about Paul is his personality and character,” said head coach Derek Wright Jr. when asked what Osaruyi brings to the team. “He is such a great kid. He comes in and works hard every day.”
Work ethic has been essential as Osaruyi navigates the pressure that comes with being highly nationally ranked at such a young age. Wright acknowledges that expectations can sometimes weigh heavy, but he has watched his player grow through it.
“Sometimes he gets down, but the best thing is seeing him smile and handle adverse moments. Being ranked so high and having so many expectations as a kid is tough. We try to keep him humble and locked in. Tell him that rankings do not matter. If you keep coming in and working hard, you will put yourself in a good situation,” Wright Jr. said.
Osaruyi carries that mindset into his own reflections on the game. When asked what he loves most about basketball, especially competing on a national stage like the Hoophall Classic, his answer centers on challenge rather than recognition.
“I like the competition,” said Osaruyi. “The higher you play, the harder it is, and that makes the game better for me. Going back and forth with all these different guys, they are all on their path to be future stars, so it is a great environment to be in.”
One thing that is unique about Osaruyi is that he spent time developing his game in Canada, an experience he credits with shaping his understanding of basketball. He notes clear differences between the two systems and how the game is played in Canada versus the United States.
“High school basketball in the States is more fast paced,” he explained. “In Canada, we traveled to different countries and played international teams. They are more disciplined on offense and defense. Everything is more poised. You can tell the difference in the games.”
That foundation has helped prepare him for his transition to Bella Vista Prep in Phoenix, Ariz., where he now plays on a team loaded with elite talent. Choosing Bella Vista was not just about exposure. It was about the environment.
“I chose to go there because it is a great environment,” he said. “It is in Phoenix, so that helped, but more than that, you have people who are willing to work with you and help you with your future. That is why I chose to go there.”
At Bella Vista, Osaruyi is one of nearly ten high-level prospects sharing the floor. Rather than clashing, the talent has sharpened everyone involved.
“It really comes from practice. We go back and forth and battle each other every day, but we also live together and that brings us closer. We know what each other wants to do. We all have the same goal to win a championship, and that is what makes us better.”
While he currently has a lot of national buzz surrounding his recruitment, Osaruyi remains deliberately noncommittal about his future.
“Not right now,” he said when asked if any programs stand out. “The media might say something different, but I am a free agent.”
When asked to describe his journey so far in a single word, he paused before offering a phrase that captures both his mindset and trajectory.
“Uphill battle. It keeps progressing every year.”
For Osaruyi, the climb is sometimes steep, but it is one that he embraces. As long as his focus remains on growth, competition, and character, the rankings will continue to follow naturally.
Photo by Kaleb Knowles/The Student